What type of stainless is used on the 86 951 headers?

[Rodney Nelson]

As you might imagine, I found my headers to be cracked on my 86 Turbo, imagine that

Anyway, a buddy of mine is a machinist and will be able to repair them so I can get some more milage out of them so I don't have to drop huge amounts of money on new headers.

First, before he can get started he needs to know what type of stainless the headers are so he can chose the correct welding rod material to mate the cast flanges to the stainless.

Does anyone know?

Thanks,

[Lawrence Coppari]

Don't know but if a magnet does not stick to it, it is 300 series. If a magnet does stick to it, it is a 400 series. But I suspect your friend probably already knew that.

[Rodney Nelson]

Yeah, He knows that, He has a book that tells him the best material to use when welding two dissimlar types of metal.

Any suggestions on how I could find out?

[Rodney Nelson]

Lawrence,

What kind of headers do you have on your car?

[Lawrence Coppari]

Rodney,

Bought car used in 1996. It had original (non-bellows header). It cracked. I bought a used bellows-type from a friend and have been using it for the past 5 years. Stock Porsche header. Car makes good power.

[Lawrence Coppari]

An alloy analyzer is used where I work. It bombards the piece of material with X-rays exciting the electrons. They damp out leaving telltale evidence of the composition of the stainless. There are many kinds of stainless steels. This is what my metallurgist colleagues do to determine the type of material here at work. We make vessels that contain chemical reactions so welding is extremely important where I work.

I would try and contact the manufacturer of the headers to find out what type SS it is. An incorrect welding rod will cause weakness and corrosion and finally cracking.

[Rodney Nelson]

Lawrence,

I had another 86 years ago that had the same problem and I had it updated by a shop in phoenix. At the time I was told that I basically had to update all of the pipes to the wastegate.

Is that true, or can I just hook up an 87.5 turbo header right up?

How in the heck do I find out who the manufacturer is?

Thanks,

[Lawrence Coppari]

I just bought the bellows headers and bolted them on. They fit exactly. Just two pieces were changed....header 1 - 4 and 2 - 3. Two - 3 were identical. Six bolts under car and 8 at exhaust ports.

I'd ask Porsche who the manufacturer is. Or call or email someone in the Porsche club. They have a tech specialist for each model. I am surprised someone on this list does not know. They would be listed in Club magazine. I don't have a copy here in the office.

[Rodney Nelson]

For the love of God!!!!!!!!!!!!

You mean I replaced all of those peices and I did not have too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess that is par for the course, get screwed until you learn how to do everything your self.

Thanks